Fond farewell for Lea Hall Bus Garage

The closure of the Lea Hall garage, which opened around 55 years ago, comes as a result of restructuring by Birmingham based parent group National Express which has six depots within a six mile radius.

FORMER members of staff and their families gathered at Lea Hall Bus Garage to say an emotional goodbye to one of Birmingham’s most unique depots before it is closed.

The closure of the Lea Hall garage, which opened around 55 years ago, comes as a result of restructuring by Birmingham based parent group National Express which has six depots within a six mile radius.

Workers have been told there will be some redundancies and that the final details of the closure are still with National Express and the unions.

The reunion, which happens every year, gave former workers the chance to say a last goodbye to a place they called home for many years.

“The Lea Hall reunion is always like no other, anyone who worked there became part of a big family and it had an atmosphere like no other,” said former worker Brendan Farrell. “The garage had a real community feel and there were lots of romances and marriages which started at Lea Hall.”

Once Lea Hall is closed the building will be sold, much to the frustration of those at the reunion.

“They are all sad and can’t understand the National Express rationale for shutting it down.” said Mr Farrell.

“There was lots of nostalgia as they said their goodbyes and a fair few tears were shed at this reunion.”